Catholics call on our bishops to initiate a Year of Dialogue

We the undersigned Catholic organizations call on our bishops to initiate a Year of Dialogue in these months leading up to the Synod on the Family to be held October 2015.

We urge the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops meeting for General Assembly in Baltimore, Maryland November 10-13, 2014 to establish processes through which Catholics in every diocese can bring forward their dreams, concerns, and key messages for the Synod.

These sessions should be times for those who will attend the Synod to listen carefully to those whose lives are rooted in the experience of family. We believe it is vitally important for all members of our Church to enter into prayerful and respectful dialogue with one another, so that the Synod’s work is responsive to the needs of God’s people.

We would appreciate your reply, which can be sent to: Sheila Peiffer, Coordinator of Catholic Organizations for Renewal, 40 Lincoln Ave, Wallingford, CT 06492. Her email is Sheilapeiffer.acc@gmail.com.